HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023.04.04 - Minutes - Study SessionCITY OF DIAMOND BAR
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MINUTES
SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT/ROOM CC-8
21865 COPLEY DRIVE, DIAMOND BAR, CA 91765
APRIL 4, 2023
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Pro Tem Liu called the Study Session to order at
5:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Council Members Ruth Low, Chia Yu Teng, Steve Tye,
and Mayor Pro Tern Stan Liu
ABSENT: Mayor Andrew Chou was excused.
Staff in Attendance: Dan Fox, City Manager; Ryan McLean, Assistant City
Manager; Omar Sandoval, City Attorney; Anthony Santos, Assistant to the City Manager;
David Liu, Public Works Director; Greg Gubman, Community Development Director; Ken
Desforges, Information Services Director; Jason Jacobsen, Finance Director; Kristina
Santana, City Clerk
Staff Present Telephonically: Hal Ghafari, Public Works Manager/Assistant City
Engineer; Christy Murphey, Recreation Superintendent
1. INTRODUCTION OF 2024-2027 CITY COUNCIL STRATEGIC PLAN:
ACM/McLean reviewed the updated report and responded to Council concerns and
recommendations.
C/Low asked where the report addresses the rainy day savings fund and
ACM/McLean said he sees it reflected in Objective 1.3 "foster fiscal health through
disciplined long-term planning, cost control, efficiencies, increased revenue, etc."
The Council has an in -place reserve policy, the provisions of which are followed in
reviewing, setting and maintaining the budget's rainy -day fund of 25%. C/Low
believes this is smart planning which should be continued moving forward.
ISD/Desforges assured C/Low and Council that the City iswell-prepared to recreate
its entire technical infrastructure should the need arise.
The City Council discussed the importance of building a culture that attracts and
retains good employees who offer excellent public and customer service.
ACM/McLean referred C/Low and Council to the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, a
Council adopted document that is regularly reviewed and identifies the natural
hazards in Diamond Bar and provides ways for mitigating those hazards in
conjunction with the Emergency Operations Plans (EOP).
C/Tye spoke about the issues and focus of the homeless population. ACM/McLean
responded that the language comes from the Homeless Plan that has been adopted
to be as consistent as possible with policy choices that have been made and
adopted. Staff is spending more response time to take care of this issue with Public
Works staff cleaning up, City Manager's Office confirming locations and
coordinating with third -party partners, and Public Safety as well as, increased focus
APRIL 41 2023 PAGE 2 CC STUDY SESSION
responding to residents' calls and inquiries. C/Tye said it is not money, but he is
concerned about the City's efforts going to nothing but trying to correct a problem
that is not the City 's problem. ACM/McLean says that staff's focus is on addressing
the issue in the City and the Special Assignment Team deputies know the local
population and he has been told that many of the homeless population have ties to
Diamond Bar — a family member or friend, and know the area and stay in the area
due to proximity.
C/Low reminded Council that the Housing Element was done under extreme
duress.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None Offered
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before the City Council,
Mayor Pro Tern Liu recessed the Study Session at 6:30 p.m. to the Regular City Council
Meeting.
Respectfully submitted:
0
Kristina Santana, City Clerk
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 18t" day of April, 2023.
Andrew Chou,'Mayor